Appleton
Appleton is a charming, green city located about 30 miles southwest of Green Bay. It straddles the Fox River at the north end of Lake Winnebago. In addition to a rolling, lush landscape with mature trees and river views, Appleton is a college town -- home to Lawrence University, a private liberal arts college founded in 1847. You'll find plenty of student traffic on College Avenue, which houses Lawrence University. However, more students live nearer to the University of Wisconsin in Menasha, to the south of Appleton city limits. While looking for apartments in Appleton, be aware that this large city spans three counties: Winnebago County, Outgamie County, and Calumet County. You might be surprised to learn that Magician Harry Houdini lived in Appleton for a while as a youth. His father was once mayor of the town, and a trip down College Avenue will take you to The History Museum at the Castle, which has fun exhibits about the type of feats Harry Houdini performed along with other historical exhibits. The Hearthstone Historic House Museum is another venue where you can enjoy an hour or two as you tour the old building that's been converted. The Trout Museum of Art wraps up the last of the museums while you can get in touch with nature at the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve during the warmer months. If you have children, you have options in Appleton. Erb Park is a family favorite for tennis and swimming during summer and for ice skating in winter. Badger Sports Park boasts mini golf, go carting, laser tag, and more activities that youngsters love. The Building for Kids Children's Museum offers everything from summer camps to classes that mix art and science.
Green Bay
At the southern end of the Green Bay stemming from Lake Michigan, you’ll find none other than the city of Green Bay. This affordable suburb features everything from waterfront views and sporting events to wooded suburban streets and wildlife refuges. Green Bay is unique in its sense of comradery. There’s nothing quite like visiting Lambeau Field for a Green Bay Packers game. This city is often referred to as “Titletown” because the Green Bay Packers have won more championships than any other team in NFL history. After finding an affordable apartment in Green Bay, you may just find that Lambeau Field feels like your second home! This Packer-loving community features an abundance of family-friendly amenities, from the Children’s Museum of Green Bay and the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary to the Bay Beach Amusement Park and the National Railroad Museum. Locals enjoy catching a live show at Meyer Theatre, testing their luck at the Oenida Casino, and admiring the 47 acres of the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Home to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, known for their environmental studies, Green Bay offers a college town vibe, which bodes well with the sports enthusiasts who call this city home. Interstates 43 and 41 make this part of Wisconsin extremely accessible, and residents appreciate the direct access to the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport.
Fond Du Lac
Roughly equidistant from Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, Fond du Lac is a fairly small community on the southern banks of Lake Winnebago. Apartments and houses downtown and near the water are surprisingly affordable compared to its neighboring cities, making it easy to enjoy views of the lake or a more urban lifestyle without breaking the bank. The University of Wisconsin operates a branch campus on the northeast corner of town, just a few blocks north of Marian University. The abundant open space and wildlife right outside of Fond du Lac makes the area very popular for hunting and fishing as well as hiking, biking, and camping.
